<p>I know I'm not supposed to specifically target a thread to DeanJ, but this kind of question seems to need a professional opinion/answer. Anyone else with a clue, please respond as well. </p>
<p>In my area, Western NY, there is a specific scholarship for UVA-bound students founded by Ralph C. Wilson, owner of the Buffalo Bills. Anyone know anything about it? It seems fairly new. </p>
<p>I got confused reading an article about the winner last year...I think she was a Jefferson Scholar, or at least a candidate. I wasn't a candidate (I wasn't even nominated, since neither I nor my school knew there was a way to be nominated out of state...guess we were wrong :() So, am I ineligible for the scholarship because I'm not a Jefferson Scholar candidate? (This is provided that I am accepted to UVA in the first place, lol.)</p>
<p>All in all, I'm just really worried about UVA aid in general. If I'm accepted, I'm worried I wouldn't be able to afford it or it'd be mostly loans. My EFC is fairly low, but I don't want 20k a year in loans. Am I eligible for any other merit scholarships despite the fact that I did not participate in the Jefferson Scholars scholarship? I came across this alumni scholarship targeted to Western NY UVA applicants in particular and thought I might have a shot at it. However, it seems that it's only for the potential Jefferson Scholars in my area, and I don't even know how to go about contacting someone to find out about it. It's not like Ralph Wilson is listed in the phone book, haha. Should I call UVA's financial aid department? </p>
<p>Thanks in advance.<br>
I'm just hoping there's something out there...
Anyone with any comments/information about UVA financial aid in general, feel free to share that, too.</p>
<p>P.S. This thread mainly comes from comparing UVA to UNC-Chapel Hill, which gives a ton of merit aid. However, I'm just not sure about UVA. It seems all they have is the Jefferson Scholars scholarship. I'm curious to see if there is more merit aid or great need-based aid out there, particularly those of us who don't qualify for the AccessUVA program.</p>
<p>I agree with GetOO-Buffalo.
When one compares UNC to UVA, both of which are hot "Public Ivy" schools, and very comparable in terms of quality of education, campus beauty, southern locale--Chapel Hill scores big in terms of merit scholarships available.
I'm applying to both, but it is Carolina who has wow'd me so far. I got a great likely letter in late December, and was accepted to Chapel Hill in early January. I got invited to the Scholarship Day this past weekend, and it was lovely, beyond words.
I have legacy status for UVA, and the University of Michigan. UVA was high on my list, but right now I am really questioning why UVA doesn't try harder for the most competitive students? Is it pride? Ego? Or just out-dated, old fashioned style? And why is it that only nominated students can compete for the Jefferson? At least the Morehead accepts direct applicants. UVA is very disappointing in this aspect.
Dean J, I have appreciate your input and blog. Can you address this, please?</p>
<p>Thanks powderpuff, you share all my sentiments exactly. Mind sending me a PM on how scholarship day went? I wasn't invited :( but received all the other phone calls and likely letter stuff from UNC, too. </p>
<p>And cav, thanks for the link, but I don't qualify for accessUVA because I'm not twice the national poverty level. At least that's my understanding....</p>
<p>
[QUOTE]
I am really questioning why UVA doesn't try harder for the most competitive students?
[/QUOTE]
I always ask students what shows them that a school wants them. The answer is often "money" and the fact is that the financial aid budget is spent on students with need. </p>
<p>I've written about this before. Compared to peer institutions, we have a small admission staff. We try to give people personalized attention when they visit, call, or email (sometimes the volume is overwhelming, though!). On top of that, we respond to this message board, keep two blogs going, and sit on instant messenger into the wee hours when deadlines are drawing near. I'm pretty proud of what we've managed to do, but I'm always open to suggestions. </p>
<p>
[QUOTE]
And why is it that only nominated students can compete for the Jefferson?
[/QUOTE]
I'm pretty sure the Jefferson Scholarship Foundation's website makes it clear that this is not the case. The Office of Admission nominates "at large" candidates for the competition.</p>
<p>AccessUVA has three parts (it's not just for low income families):
1. 100% of demonstrated financial need will be met.
2. If your package has loans, they are capped.
3. If your familiy qualifies as low income, your package is 100% grant.</p>
<p>DeanJ, all good points. Glad you let us know about the comparitvely small admissions staff. That does make a difference and you guys are able to do a lot with what you have. </p>
<p>Also, any comments or information about the alumni scholarship I mentioned?</p>
<p>
[QUOTE]
Also, any comments or information about the alumni scholarship I mentioned?
[/QUOTE]
If a scholarship is need-based, it's administered by Student Financial Services (Finanaicial Aid). The other scholarships are administered by the Alumni Association.</p>
<p>A call to those offices about the specific scholarship you mentioned might get you more info.</p>
<p>It's possible that the Jefferson for your area is funded by the specific person you mentioned.</p>